Bullseye Completes Baghouse Air Emissions Tests

FOR RELEASE July 21, 2016—Bullseye Glass Co. recently completed air emissions tests to confirm performance of our first emission control “baghouse.” The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) supervised the tests, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) observed.

Results indicate that our first operating baghouse captured more than 99% total particulate matter. ODEQ’s rule requires 99% removal efficiency. We expect to complete a larger baghouse installation in August.

The purpose of the emissions testing was to confirm that the baghouse met the criteria under the temporary rule. During the testing, we also evaluated chromium emissions to potentially determine a maximum allowable chromium III usage rate, pursuant to the temporary rule. However, the hexavalent chromium emissions data received and a subsequent evaluation of the operating parameters during the test indicate that the test results were distorted and are not representative of past or future operating conditions.

The data shows significant variation of potential chromium emissions across the three test runs, which indicates inconclusive results. In addition, chromium VI was detected in some of the samples at concentrations above the total chromium results, indicating potential interference.

Further, during the test significant amounts of ambient air were introduced into the furnace exhaust stream to lower exhaust gas temperatures. This was done to protect the Teflon probes required by the test and to protect the filter media provided in the baghouse. Introducing ambient air into the furnace exhaust likely influenced the detected levels of chromium VI during the test. This was the first source test and we found that accurately testing for chromium VI is difficult.

Bullseye will not use raw materials containing trivalent chromium or hexavalent chromium in its furnaces until DEQ specifically permits it. Once we have installed the larger baghouse emission system, we may plan another chromium source test.

To date, Bullseye has spent approximately $60,000 for professional services on the source test. We expect the program to install baghouses will cost approximately $650,000. In the meantime, we are formulating some new chromium-free green glasses. They’re not yet part of our standard product line, but are available by special order.